More than half of the world’s population now live in cities, and by the year 2050, urban populations are expected to comprise more than 75% of all people (UNFP, 2007). The health of the world’s people is therefore increasingly a matter of urban health. However, urban growth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa has occurred mainly in informal settlements and other areas of “concentrated disadvantage” (Vlahov et al 2007) such as inner city areas and the city periphery, with the prospect of increasing burdens of ill health and rising inequities.

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